Proton appoints new e.MAS dealer partner in Sri Lanka, strengthens export business

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton’s export business hit a significant milestone in July, achieving the highest monthly export volume since March 2013. To grow this momentum, the automaker has been continuously expanding its operations across different countries. In its recent endeavours, Proton has strengthened its export business in Sri Lanka by appointing a new dealer partner for e.MAS.

This means that, after Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Nepal, Sri Lanka is the fifth overseas market to get Proton e.MAS vehicles. To make this happen, the company signed a Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, during a meeting at the company’s Centre of Excellence headquarters. DPHL is expected to start retailing Proton eMAS models in Sri Lanka later this year.

Strong local support for Proton

Founded in 1970, DPHL is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified automotive groups, with businesses spanning automotive, financial services, logistics and leisure services. The distribution of Proton e.MAS vehicles will be taken care of by David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPAL), which will leverage the group’s combined resources and experience in Sri Lanka’s automotive sector to grow sales and serve customers in the country.

Along with that, the Malaysian automaker’s sales in the country will also benefit from the in-house financial services and logistics provided by other subsidiaries within DPHL, offering customers a seamless ownership experience, from buying Proton e.MAS vehicles to reliable after-sales services.

“Proton International Corporation is pleased to have signed a Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings as we believe they are the right partner to grow our presence in Sri Lanka. With their extensive resources and years of automotive experience, our ultimate ambition is for Proton to become the leading NEV brand in the country,” said Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton International Corporation.

“The launch of Proton e.MAS has paved the way towards better market penetration for Proton International Corporation. For some markets, our NEV vehicles are the only models sold to carry the Proton brand while in markets that also have ICE offerings, our distributors are able to offer a more holistic mobility solution to their customers,” added Edmund Lim.

Also read: Proton records 14.9% growth in July 2026; exports reach a new high